A crowded field of GOP candidates are vying to become the party’s nominee in the upcoming U.S. Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
One hopeful, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), secured an important endorsement this week when former President Donald Trump backed his bid in a social media statement.
“Mike has served his Country during a career loaded with accolades and wins, from the Army to Congress, and now, hopefully, the U.S. Senate,” the presumptive Republican presidential nominee wrote. “Mike will work closely with me to enact our America First Policies. He will tirelessly fight to Secure the Border, Stop Inflation, Grow the Economy, Strengthen our Military/Veteran Support, and Protect and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Mike Rogers will be a Great and Powerful Senator for Michigan, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement. HE KNOWS HOW TO WIN!”
Thank you for the endorsement, @realdonaldtrump! Now is the time to unite to defeat the Biden-Slotkin agenda. Together we will secure the border, stop Bidenomics, end the EV mandates, and build a strong and bright future for all Michiganders! pic.twitter.com/zuEK5g75ai
— Mike Rogers (@MikeRogersForMI) March 12, 2024
Among the others competing for the Republican nomination is businessman Sandy Pensler, who received an endorsement from former presidential candidate — and notable Trump supporter — Vivek Ramaswamy.
Rogers is also running against Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI), who has floundered in the polls at least in part because he was one of a handful of GOP lawmakers who voted in favor of impeaching Trump in 2021.
Trump’s pick for the seat also has the support of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Its chairman, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), has reportedly offered Trump insight into candidates as the former president makes endorsements in key races.
Not everyone on the right is supportive of Rogers’ bid, however.
In a social media post this week, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) shared a video released by Pensler’s campaign that highlighted some of Rogers’ previous critical remarks about Trump.
Furthermore, Paul seized on the former House Intelligence Committee chairman’s record as a reason to oppose his ambitions to become a senator.
“Donald Trump just endorsed the worst Deep State candidate this cycle,” the Kentucky Republican wrote. “[Rogers] is a never Trumper, and a card carrying member of the spy state that seeks to destroy Trump.”
Going on to reference the former president’s one-time national security adviser, who has since become a prominent voice in anti-Trump circles, Paul added: “You have to ask yourself who gives Trump this awful advice? Who’s next, John Bolton?”
